doing wrong

USAGE SUMMARY

"doing wrong" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when referring to an action that someone has taken that is considered incorrect or immoral. For example: "Tom knew he was doing wrong, but he decided to lie to his parents anyway."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

48 human-written examples

They deny doing wrong.

The Economist

> I am doing wrong.

Columbia University

What are they doing wrong?

The New York Times

"Fashola is doing wrong work!

The New York Times

What was I doing wrong?

The New York Times - Travel

What am I doing wrong?

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

12 human-written examples

Did I do wrong?

The New York Times - Magazine

Did he do wrong?

The New Yorker

"That he did wrong.

The New York Times

"It does!" "Wrong".

The New Yorker

What did I do wrong?

Yale University

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "doing wrong" when you want to convey that someone is actively engaged in an action that is morally or ethically incorrect. It implies a conscious choice or ongoing behavior.

Common error

While acceptable, "doing wrong" can sometimes sound informal in very formal writing. Consider using more precise or sophisticated alternatives like "committing wrongdoing" or "engaging in unethical behavior" to maintain a professional tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "doing wrong" functions as a verbal phrase indicating the action of performing an immoral or incorrect act. Ludwig examples illustrate its usage in contexts where individuals or entities are actively engaged in unethical behavior or making poor choices. It is used to express the active commission of a wrong.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

75%

Academia

15%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Science

3%

Encyclopedias

1%

Wiki

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "doing wrong" is a common and grammatically sound expression used to describe the action of performing something morally or ethically incorrect. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and usability. It appears most frequently in news and media, with a neutral register suitable for various contexts. While acceptable in most situations, more formal alternatives like "committing wrongdoing" might be preferred in professional settings. Be mindful of the active and intentional nature of the phrase, as it implies a conscious choice or ongoing behavior rather than an accidental error.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

committing wrongdoing

Replaces the verb "doing" with "committing" and specifies "wrongdoing" as a noun.

acting immorally

Substitutes "doing wrong" with a more direct expression of moral transgression.

engaging in unethical behavior

Formal and specific, focusing on the ethical implications of the actions.

behaving badly

A more general and less severe way of saying "doing wrong".

transgressing

A more formal and concise way of expressing the act of violating a moral or legal boundary.

sinning

Connects the action to religious or moral laws.

erring

Highlights the mistake or deviation from what is right.

making a mistake

Focuses on the unintentional aspect of the wrong action.

stepping out of line

An idiomatic expression indicating a deviation from expected behavior.

violating principles

Focuses on the breach of established ethical or moral guidelines.

FAQs

How can I use "doing wrong" in a sentence?

You can use "doing wrong" to describe someone's actions that are morally or ethically incorrect. For example: "He knew he was doing wrong, but he continued anyway."

What are some alternatives to "doing wrong"?

Alternatives include "committing wrongdoing", "acting immorally", or "engaging in unethical behavior", depending on the specific context.

Is "doing wrong" grammatically correct?

Yes, "doing wrong" is grammatically correct and commonly used in English. Ludwig AI confirms its usability.

What's the difference between "doing wrong" and "done wrong"?

"Doing wrong" refers to the act of performing a wrong action, while "done wrong" typically indicates that someone has been treated unfairly or unjustly. For example, "He is doing wrong" versus "He was done wrong by the system."